March 25, 2014

Jerry Jones on Dez Bryant and a possible contract extension: He doesn’t need to let his guard down

Dez Bryant is in the final year of contract and the Cowboys have been unequivocal in saying they want him around for a long time.

The tricky thing for Dallas is figuring out a contract extension and how to craft it given Bryant’s status as one of the league’s top receivers as well as his controversial past.

“That is contract talk,” owner Jerry Jones said. “But as far as his ability to help us win as a player. He is an established player.”

Jones was then asked if Bryant needs to continue to adhere to strict rules he and his advisors set up before the 2012 season, including a curfew, counseling and a security detail on road games.

“He doesn’t need to drop his guard,” Jones said. “In some respect, none of us do.”

For the record, Bryant has not had any legal issues or any other controversy since he was charged with allegedly assaulting his mother in July of 2012.

Misdemeanor family violence chargers were eventually dropped by the Dallas district attorney’s office after Bryant stayed out of trouble for a year and adhered to weekly counseling.

Bryant’s advisor David Wells has been in charge of managing his curfew and security detail.

And even though Bryant has matured and has no issues for two years there are no plans to drop his guard or the round-the-clock watch management _ certainly not with a long-term contract extension and possibly lifetime security on the line.